Crafting

Evenings in my home are usually a quiet, sedate affair, with skills learnt from my mum and grandmothers meaning I can sit and unwind, whilst still being busy.  Knitting and crochet (and sewing) have - at times - been very out of fashion but I picked them up again during a stressful period in my life when I needed some sanity preservation.  Through the wonders of modern technology, I discovered that my quirky, old-fashioned hobbies were becoming increasingly popular. I believe COVID lockdowns had something to do with it. So what does the research say about crafting and its impact on mental health and wellbeing? Is there anything in my extravagant claim that it provided sanity preservation?

I’ll include references below if you want to go and find out more directly from the sources, but to put it simply, crafting:

• Keeps our brains active - there’s always something new that can be learnt - new skills, hobbies, techniques keeps things fresh and exciting and is more stimulating than passively absorbing media or doom scrolling  -  this means our brains are flexible when we meet new challenges in life
• Provides mental challenges and problem solving opportunities - frustration when we are in the middle of a muddle can turn to a sense of achievement when we get past it - see also the point about keeping our brains active 
• Keeps us socially connected - whether that is being part of a community online or in real life, we have a shared interest that provides a sense of belonging. This is a great foundation for friendships that provide mutual support. We learn from each other, share ideas, inspire and encourage each other- see also the point about keeping things fresh and exciting
• Is a creative outlet that helps us to express (and explore) our individuality and unique personalities - suddenly that person who only ever wears blue is knitting the most colourful socks imaginable……
• Is part of structure and routines that provide balance in our lives - and this can be stabilising when we go through periods of stress, grief, transition, depression. Predictability during times of chaos can be anchoring 
• Can often be that time to slow down and unwind that is needed during busy periods, providing a mindful and relaxing experience. It may not solve chronic illness and pain, but mindful concentration on something can often be a distraction. Being in that state of flow can stop us from overthinking the difficult stuff
• Is often a tactile, sensory experience that is associated with calm
• Often has repetitive, rhythmic actions that may be impacting our nervous system - lowering our heart rate and decreasing levels of the stress hormone, cortisol

Links have been made to emotional regulation, for example, in those who have experienced trauma.  There’s a lot more research needed to really understand what goes on in our bodies and minds when we knit or crochet. But it seems there is a real connection between crafting and maintaining good mental health and wellbeing.

I’m off to practice a bit of self care - where did I leave my knitting?





References 


Dietrich, A. (2004). “Neurocognitive mechanisms underlying the experience of flow.” Consciousness and Cognition, 13(4), 746–761.

Porges, S. W. (2011). The Polyvagal Theory: Neurophysiological Foundations of Emotions, Attachment, Communication, and Self-Regulation. Norton.

​Reynolds, F. (2019). “Textile arts and well-being: A systematic review.” Arts & Health, 11(3), 181–201.
Verghese, J. et al. (2003). “Leisure activities and the risk of dementia in the elderly.” New England Journal of Medicine, 348(25), 2508–2516.

Le Lagadec, Marie; Kornhaber, Rachel; Johnston-Devin, Colleen; Cleary, Michelle (2024). Healing stitches: A scoping review on the impact of needlecraft on mental health and well-being. CQUniversity. Journal contribution. https://hdl.handle.net/10779/cqu.27676194.v1 

Burns P, Van Der Meer R. (2021). Happy Hookers: findings from an international study exploring the effects of crochet on wellbeing. Perspect Public Health. 141(3):149-157. doi: 10.1177/1757913920911961. 

Brooks L, Ta K-HN, Townsend AF, Backman CL. (2019). “I just love it”: Avid knitters describe health and well-being through occupation. Canadian Journal of Occupational Therapy. 86(2):114-124. doi:10.1177/0008417419831401

Nordstrand, J., Birgitta Gunnarsson, A., & Häggblom-Kronlöf, G. (2024). Promoting health through yarncraft: Experiences of an online knitting group living with mental illness. Journal of Occupational Science, 31(3), 504–515. https://doi.org/10.1080/14427591.2023.2292281